Arts Collaborative of Angels | Downtown Los Angeles
A Holistic Movement for Empowerment, Arts, and Systemic Change
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Proposal for the WeALL?RT Corridor: A Holistic Movement
for Empowerment, Art, and Systemic Change
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INTRODUCTION
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The WeALL?RT Corridor is a transformative initiative designed to unite the Historic
Core and Skid Row, erasing the invisible but oppressive boundary that has long
divided these two neighborhoods. Centered on the power of art as a vehicle for
empowerment, healing, and systemic change, the district seeks to ignite a flame of
creativity and resilience that transcends stigmas, redefines narratives, and reclaims
space for dignity, unity, and growth.
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Rooted in the belief that ART TRANSCENDS, ART UNITES, and ART DOES NOT
FAIL, the district reimagines the stretch of 5th Street between Main and San Pedro
as a thriving cultural corridor, with Engine 23 as its beating heart. The WeALL?RT
Corridor envisions an inclusive, empowering, and interconnected community where art
serves as the catalyst for social, cultural, and economic transformation
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VISION STATEMENT
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The WeALL?RT Corridor is a holistic, art-driven movement that:
? Bridges divides by uniting the Historic Core and Skid Row, dismantling the
artificial boundaries that perpetuate inequity.
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? Ignites systemic change by addressing deep-seated social challenges with
creative, community-led solutions.
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? Celebrates diversity and resilience, amplifying the voices, talents, and stories
of Skid Row residents and neighboring communities.
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? Fosters healing and empowerment through art, creating opportunities for
connection, reflection, and transformation.
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A NEW IDENTITY: BURNING THE BOUNDARY
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For decades, the boundary between Skid Row and the surrounding areas has been
unspoken yet omnipresent—reinforcing exclusion, perpetuating stigma, and limiting
potential. The WeALL?RT Corridor will act as the flame that burns and erases this
boundary, forging a unified, interconnected neighborhood where creativity flows
freely, and community members are celebrated for their contributions and talents.
This e?ort is not about masking the reality of Skid Row but rather honoring its stories
and residents by creating opportunities for healing, empowerment, and collaboration.
Through art, advocacy, and systemic change, the corridor will serve as a beacon of
hope for the entire Downtown Los Angeles area.
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ALIGNMENT WITH NEIGHBORING INITIATIVES
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The WeALL?RT Corridor will seamlessly integrate and strengthen the e?orts of its
neighboring organizations and initiatives, forging a collaborative ecosystem of
empowerment and cultural celebration, including:
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? CJLA Peace and Healing Center: Partnering on therapeutic arts and wellness
programs.
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? Studio 526: Amplifying the voices of artists with lived experience of
homelessness through exhibitions and workshops.
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? Downtown Women’s Center (DWC): Elevating the role of women in Skid Row
through art and advocacy.
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? DTLA Proud Initiative: Extending the Gayborhood boundary, ensuring
LGBTQIA+ inclusion and visibility.
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? LA Poverty Department’s Skid Row Festival for Artists: Showcasing local
talent and promoting creative equity.
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? DTLA Art Nights: Positioning the district as a cornerstone of Downtown’s
thriving arts scene.
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? LA Hope Dealer Gallery, Regent Theater, and Urban Voices Project:
Enriching the cultural and creative o?erings of the area.
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CORE PRINCIPLES OF THE WEALL?RT CORRIDOR
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1. Unification of the Historic Core and Skid Row
The corridor will forge connections between these neighborhoods, cultivating
shared experiences, relationships, and opportunities for growth through:
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? Public art installations and performances that span Main Street to
San Pedro, bridging divides.
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? Collaborative projects between artists, residents, and businesses
across both neighborhoods.
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? Events and festivals that celebrate the cultural contributions of the
entire community.
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2. Empowerment Through Creativity
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The corridor will serve as a platform for residents and artists to develop their
skills and amplify their voices, o?ering:
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? Workshops, residencies, and mentorship programs in collaboration
with Studio 526 and the Downtown Women’s Center.
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? Economic opportunities through art markets, public installations,
and performances.
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3. Art as a Catalyst for Systemic Change
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Through murals, performances, and community-driven projects, the corridor
will:
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? Raise awareness of social and economic injustices.
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? Inspire dialogue and collaboration between residents, advocates, and
policymakers.
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? Highlight the resilience and creativity of Skid Row as a model for
urban transformation.
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4. Healing Through Art
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Partnering with the CJLA Peace and Healing Center, the Corridor will
integrate art and wellness through:
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? Therapeutic art programs for emotional healing and trauma
recovery.
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? Public reflection spaces featuring sculpture gardens and installations
that promote peace and contemplation.
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5. Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity
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The Corridor will honor the unique stories and identities of its community,
include
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? Expanding the Gayborhood boundary with DTLA Proud, creating a
vibrant, inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ residents and visitors.
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? Hosting events and programs that celebrate the intersectionality of
Skid Row’s diverse population.
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6. A Sustainable Creative Ecosystem
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By fostering long-term opportunities for economic and creative growth, the
corridor will:
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? Create job opportunities for local residents through arts-based
employment.
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? Build partnerships with local businesses to ensure the corridors
vitality and impact.
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IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
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Phase 1: Establishing the Foundation
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? Activate Engine 23 as the cultural hub for exhibitions, workshops, and
community gatherings.
? Launch a signature public art project symbolizing the unification of the
Historic Core and Skid Row.
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Phase 2: Building Programs and Partnerships
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? Partner with local organizations to deliver workshops, mentorships, and
events.
? Develop an artist-in-residence program to foster collaboration and
creativity.
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Phase 3: Hosting Events and Celebrations
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? Launch signature events like the Skid Row Festival for Artists,
LGBTQIA+-inclusive celebrations, and DTLA Art Nights.
? Introduce community art walks and public performances that draw
audiences across neighborhoods.
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Phase 4: Sustaining Growth and Impact
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? Secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and public-private
partnerships.
? Measure the district’s success through community engagement, creative
output, and economic impact metrics.
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CONCLUSION
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The WeALL?RT Corridor is more than a physical space—it is a movement for
empowerment, healing, and systemic transformation. By uniting the Historic Core
and Skid Row, this corridor erases the invisible boundary that has long divided these
communities, o?ering a shared space for creativity, connection, and growth. It
celebrates the resilience and talent of its residents, providing a platform for
empowerment and systemic change. Through the power of art, this corridor will stand
as a testament to the belief that art transcends, unites, and ART does not fail.
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Attached:
1. Map of the WeALL?RT Corridor: Highlighting key landmarks, including Engine
23, 5th Street between Main and San Pedro, and adjacent cultural spaces.
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2. 3. LA Hope Dealer Information: Details about their gallery and community-
focused work amplifying voices through artistic expression.
LA Hope Dealer Gallery - Click Here
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ShowzArt Information: Overview of their mission to showcase diverse talents
and foster creative engagement within Skid Row and beyond.
ShowzArt - Click Here
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The WeALL?RT Corridor will bring together a holistic network of initiatives,
organizations, and cultural hubs, o?ering a united vision of inclusion, creativity, and
resilience. Together, this movement will set the stage for a new era in Downtown Los
Angeles, demonstrating the transformative power of art and community.
Christopher Michael